Ownership of the Mooloolaba Wharf recently shifted from Merlin Entertainments to Evans Long. The process of acquiring and transferring the property took approximately two years.
This well-known Sunshine Coast development could undergo tremendous change in the years to come. It’s new owners intend to turn the site into a mixed residential and commercial establishment.
The Big Plans for Mooloolaba
The Mooloolaba Wharf’s directors have expressed enthusiasm about planning this development’s future. When talking about the complex, Dirk Long noted its importance to the local area but said the buildings had fallen into disrepair.
The new owners hope to transform the site into a major tourist attraction.
Although the directors feel it’s vital to draw additional tourists to the development, they recognise that this won’t provide businesses with a steady income throughout the year.
One of their goals is to attract more local residents. Evans noted that many people on the Sunshine Coast had stopped visiting the complex some time ago.
The Demolition Plan
Evans Long plans to destroy most structures at the Mooloolaba Wharf and construct new buildings.
This includes everything from the edge of the tavern to the Hog’s Breath Cafe. The company also intends to demolish all buildings between the cafe and Parkyn Parade.
On the other hand, the Wharf Tavern might remain in place. The tenant has signed a lengthy lease so the developers can’t remove this building without permission.
They are discussing redevelopment plans with the business operator; the pub’s long-term future remains uncertain.
Will Mooloolaba’s Approve?
The chairman of Mooloolaba’s tourism and business agency recently said that he’d support Evans Long’s plans if they comply with the current planning scheme for the Sunshine Coast.
At times, various proposals to construct high-rise buildings at the Mooloolaba Wharf have sparked debate among locals. This could reemerge as an issue of contention.
The new owners are currently unable to confirm their plan’s compliance with the local planning scheme. This is true because the planning process has only reached an early stage of development.
One director mentioned that the company would make tenant support a high priority. Evans noted that the previous owner hadn’t spent any money on the buildings in years.
Prosperity
Despite all of the talk about this development’s dilapidation, some tenants have remained successful and enthusiastic. A local business called Sunreef draws an average of roughly 1,170 customers every month.
The retailer recently spent $250,000 to upgrade its shop. It also entered a leasing agreement that remains in effect for almost three years.
Should Some Mooloolaba Wharf Structures be Preserved?
Director Evans doesn’t believe that his company’s plans will be restricted by the need to preserve historic buildings.
He noted that Merlin Entertainments previously sought to protect a tower near the Hog’s Breath Cafe. Nonetheless, he referred to the structure as an “eyesore” that doesn’t need to be preserved.
The total expense of demolition and construction is still uncertain.
It will remain difficult to estimate until more specific plans have been formulated and approved. However, the new owners predict that it could cost $100 million or more.
